Sustainable food choices

What we eat is a significant lifestyle factor. Not only do our food choices impact our health, but the environment as well.

Here are tips for eating a healthy and sustainable diet.

Avoid highly processed foods. The more ingredients used and steps needed to produce a product, the higher its carbon footprint is due to traveling, manufacturing, and distribution. Think of a nutrition bar with a long list of ingredients vs. a handful of nuts, which came from one source with minimal processing.

Purchase seasonal foods. We've been spoiled by having access to certain fruits and veggies all year round. For many of us, this means foods are traveling from far away countries. Instead of purchasing fresh during the offseason, opt for frozen or preserved versions.

Reduce food waste. This is a significant factor in sustainability. Unfortunately, the same resources—soil, water, fossil fuels, crop inputs—are used to produce food, whether it's eaten or not.

Limit animal products. You don't need to go full-on vegan (unless you want to!), but reducing your intake of animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Grow your own. Do a little research to find out what will thrive in your climate, then start your own garden. This will reduce chemical use and transportation.

In my hometown in Turkey, we have a garden where my dad grows our own vegetables, olives and fruits but unfortunately in Frankfurt I don't have this option as I live in a studio apartment. However, my area of improvement is definitely to reduce food waste. I usually make one pot bowls but sometimes your eyes are bigger than your stomach. :)

So, how sustainable is your diet? What areas do you want to improve?